As The Patriot Ledger celebrates 175 years of publication this year, we're taking a look at other local businesses with big anniversaries in 2012. This week we talk to Dan Jones, co-owner of Snow and Jones Inc. of Norwell, about his plumbing supply business as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

We interviewed Dan Jones, co-owner of Snow and Jones Inc. of Norwell, about his plumbing supply business as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. The following is an edited version of that exchange. (The company’s marketing director, Danielle Jones, added to the answers.)

How has your business changed since its inception?

Our company has grown to be in nine locations on the South Shore and Cape Cod: Norwell, Brockton, Plymouth, Stoughton, Middleboro, Wareham, Falmouth, Sandwich and Yarmouth.

The company has also transitioned from the first-generation owner of Bobby Jones to his sons, David, Barney and myself.

Technology has really helped our business. With the advantages of mobile phones and wireless Internet, we are better able to communicate with each other and our customers.

How has your industry changed over that time?

Consolidation has made it difficult to remain a family-owned and run business across the industry.

Also, we are a Kohler distributor, and one of the Kohler price books we have from the 1970s has 12 pages. Its latest editions are now two books that total over 800 pages. The product offerings are immense, and keeping up with the newest offerings is challenging.

As utilities prices increase, we have also seen a flood of more efficient heating and air-conditioning equipment. Homeowners are concerned about their expenses and want equipment that runs efficiently.

What kind of changes do you see on the horizon?

We need to mesh the third generation of our family into the fold in order to foster continued stability and growth.

The growth of Internet sales figures to increase competition in the market. The recession and current economic climate has also slowed new construction and increased our focus on the remodeling market, but new construction is starting to pick up again.

There is also a focus on adapting to new technology. Just as an example, there are new steam shower controls and also new heating system controls that you can control from your smartphone.

How does your business differentiate itself from its competitors?

We push the family theme, which people seem to like, and with our nine locations there is always a Jones within reach for any situation that arises.

What are some of the advantages and challenges of doing business in this region?

One advantage is that this is our backyard – we were born and bred here, and we still like to think we have our finger on the pulse of our communities. Most of our challenges come from outside our region, like the ever-shrinking global economy, the politics that decide where the economy goes, and, of course, our weather.

Page 2 of 2 - There are lots of great small businesses in the area that are very supportive of each other. There are active Chambers of Commerce, for example.

While this recession hit the country hard, we are also fortunate that Massachusetts weathered the storm better than the nation and the area was not hit as hard as other areas.

If your business is celebrating a milestone in 2012, share it with us. We'll be gathering information to present online or in print as we celebrate The Patriot Ledger's 175th anniversary this year. Fill out our form to send us your details.